Press Release

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Elmhurst Police Chief Michael Ruth announced today that a $100,000 bond has been set for a Chicago man accused of nearly striking an Elmhurst police officer with his vehicle following a traffic stop. This morning DuPage County prosecutors filed charges against Byron Auterberry, 33 (d.o.b. 11/8/1974) of 1235 N. Waller, in relation to the incident. Auterberry has been charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer, all Class 4 Felonies. Bond was set by Judge Brian McKillip.

On Tuesday, February 27, at approximately 4:46 p.m., Officers with the Elmhurst Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle allegedly driven by Auterberry. It is alleged that during the stop as one of the police officers approached Auterberry’s vehicle from the front, Auterberry drove his vehicle toward the officer coming within just several feet of the officer causing the officer to discharge his service weapon. It is further alleged that as Auterberry drove toward the officer, he crashed his vehicle into another vehicle before fleeing the scene. An investigation into the matter conducted by the Elmhurst Police Department led to Auterberry who was taken into custody yesterday without incident.

“Because of the alleged actions of Mr. Auterberry, what began as a traffic stop turned extremely serious and potentially deadly in just a matter of seconds,” Berlin said. “Thankfully neither the officer nor any innocent bystanders were injured by Mr. Auterberry’s alleged attempt to flee the scene. I would like to thank the Elmhurst Police Department and the DuPage County Major Crimes Task Force for their outstanding work in identifying and apprehending the suspect in this case. I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorney Steve Knight for his efforts these past several days. Thanks to the professionalism and cooperation exhibited by all those involved we will be able to bring a strong prosecution against Mr. Auterberry.”

Auterberry’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 2, 2018 in front of Judge Robert Miller.

The DuPage County Major Crimes Task Force is currently reviewing the facts and circumstances of this case in regard to the officer discharging his weapon.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. ###